Underwater Propulsion Handle With Hall-Sensor Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater vehicle propulsion control systems are complex, with manufacturers keeping internal systems and operational connectivity confidential, limiting the development of a simple, compact, and ergonomic control handle that can start engines, change speed, and steer vehicles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle propulsion control handle with a detachable handpiece connected to a profile lever, equipped with Hall sensors, an encoder, and bistable switches, allowing manual activation and mounting on the vehicle hull, enabling operators to control engine start, speed, and direction through an ergonomically arranged set of control elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers use complex internal systems and devices with multiple manipulators and control switches, then the control functionality is comprehensive, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (throttle control, steering, engine starting, speed changing, trimming) into a single integrated control handle. The handpiece integrates a throttle grip, trigger, and various switches that all operate through one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate manipulators and control consoles, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The control handle is designed as a multi-functional device where a single handle structure performs multiple functions: the throttle grip controls speed, the trigger starts engines, additional switches control direction and trimming. This universal design allows one device to replace multiple specialized controls, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability
2Reliability
If manufacturers keep internal systems and operational connectivity confidential, then proprietary information is protected, but the development of simpler control solutions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular components: the control handle with handpiece, the base mounting structure, and the electronic control unit. This segmentation allows manufacturers to protect core electronic systems while openly licensing or standardizing the mechanical control interface, enabling independent development of simpler control mechanisms without compromising proprietary information
3Productivity
If a control handle with multiple functions is designed, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single ergonomic handle structure. The throttle grip, trigger, and control switches are integrated into one hand-held device, allowing the operator to control speed, direction, engine starting, and trimming simultaneously through one unified interface, thereby enhancing operational efficiency without significantly increasing perceived complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The control handle provides a simple, compact, and rigid solution for underwater vehicles, allowing operators to easily start engines, control speed, and steer, with the Hall sensors and encoder delivering precise control signals to the vehicle's central electronics system, enhancing operational efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The Hall sensor H1, H2, H3 are arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the board
Implementation Method 2
an encoder, and bistable switches, allowing manual activation and mounting on the vehicle hull
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
This invention relates to a vehicle propulsion control handle, especially for underwater vehicles, characterised in that: the lower end of its handpiece (9) is connected in a detachable manner to an offset (4) of the upper surface of the base (1) and to a lower inner offset (15), mounted thereon, of the profile lever (14) arranged on a slot (10) of the handpiece (9), wherein the profile lever (14) is provided above the offset (15) with an inner offset (19) with a spring mounted thereon (21) whose other end is adjacent to the inner surface of the handpiece (9), and with an upper offset (17) with magnet M1 fitted loosely to a pin (18) in the slot (12) of the handpiece (9), inside the upper end of said handpiece, there is provided the lower end of the housing (22) with an outer ring-shaped offset (24) and a bottom (25) whose lower surface has two offsets (26, 26') separated by a slot (27) such that an offset (17) for the lever (14) is provided in said slot; in said housing (22), there is set an electronic board (32) permanently connected to an encoder (33) and to at least one Hall sensor (H2, H3), arranged on the upper surface of the board (32), and the Hall sensor (H1) arranged on the lower surface of said board such that electrical wires are led out of said board through a pass-through hole (31) in the offset (26) of the housing (22); next to each of the Hall sensors (H2, H3), in the side surface of the housing (22), there is provided at least one socket (44, 44') for a bistable slide function switch (45, 45') with a magnet (M2, M3), from top side, the electronic board (32) is covered with a sleeve-shaped lid (34) having on its upper face blind holes (35, 35') for springs (36, 36') with metal balls (37, 37') mounted thereon, wherein, on said lid (34), there is mounted a sleeve-shaped knob (38) with an upper bottom (39), connected to the lid in a detachable manner, whose inner surface has an offset for the upper end of the profile encoder (33) and blind holes (43) for said metal balls (37, 37') of the springs (36, 36').